Public Markets 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

AI and Tech Sector Dynamics

SK Hynix in its second-quarter net profit, signaling continued strong demand for AI-driven memory chips. Teradyne saw profit due to surging demand for semiconductor testing equipment fueled by the AI boom. Meanwhile, Nvidia is backing a $50 billion lease for a Texas data center designed to utilize its chips, underscoring its central role in the AI computing market. NXP Semiconductors posted a profit of $767 million, driven by growth across all end markets, with particular strength in software-defined vehicles and physical AI customers. Seagate reported net, a significant increase from the prior year, as AI-driven demand for data storage surged. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg criticized the centralization of AI power, advocating for more open development models, a sentiment echoed in discussions surrounding "open-weights" AI software. Moonshot, a Chinese startup, noting that some users may require licenses, balancing sharing with monetization.

Energy Markets and Geopolitical Tensions

Crude oil jumped sharply and US equity-index futures fell following renewed fighting in the Middle East, reigniting concerns over energy supplies. Oil prices rebounded after a three-day decline as fresh Middle East conflict threatened energy flows. Treasury yields edged lower as hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the US-Iran conflict pushed oil prices down. The Houthi group in Yemen of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, with their ally Iran reportedly bottling up the Strait of Hormuz. Italy approved temporary on diesel fuel through August 6 to cushion the impact of surging energy prices amid the widening Middle East conflict. Uber's partner in its African EV pilot program stated that the conflict between the US and Iran and subsequent fuel price increases are driving demand for its vehicles. Woodside Energy Group Ltd.’s Browse gas field development, allowing for expedited approvals.

Automotive and Transportation Sector

Ford Motor lifted its guidance, forecasting higher U.S. automobile pricing and raising its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to between $10 billion and $11 billion. The automaker expects auto prices to rise by approximately 0.5%. Despite sales and revenue declines, Ford's second-quarter performance was bolstered by sales of high-margin off-road vehicles. Mercedes-Benz cut annual amid a slump in China, joining Volkswagen and BMW in warning about the challenging Chinese market. JetBlue Airways if high fuel costs persist, as its net loss widened to $247 million in the second quarter. Boaters are to achieve unprecedented horsepower and faster vessels.

Financial Markets and Corporate Performance

Gold edged lower as traders assessed prospects for a Federal Reserve rate hike ahead of a finely balanced interest-rate decision. CME Group Inc. reported that its debut of 24/7 trading for gold futures, with deep liquidity despite subdued volatility. TD Securities warned that the US dollar will weaken if the Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged, a sentiment echoed by other strategists who predict the dollar could suffer knee-jerk weakness. BlackRock Private Credit plans to ramp up its offerings, aiming to capture a significant share of the direct lending market. Bloom Energy Corp. jumped after that more than doubled expectations and raising full-year guidance for the second consecutive quarter. Visa reported third-quarter revenue climbed, with profit reaching $5.63 billion. Caesars Entertainment narrowed its loss to $62 million in its first earnings report since agreeing to a $5.7 billion acquisition by Tilman Fertitta.

Retail and Consumer Goods

Mondelez International lifted its outlook following higher second-quarter sales, driven by strength in the Latin America market, and now expects at least 2% organic net revenue growth. The Cheesecake Factory in its second quarter, with increased customer traffic from menu innovation and marketing efforts driving revenue. Sherwin-Williams gaining market even as paint prices climb, now expecting net sales to increase in the mid- to high-single-digit percent range for the year. Kering's sales returned to growth as the Gucci slowdown eased, with fashion recovery and strong demand for jewelry and eyewear driving improved performance.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

Canada will abandon to compel foreign streamers to contribute financially to its domestic entertainment industry, according to a court filing. A former Goldman Sachs banker went on trial for allegedly paying bribes to government officials in Ghana to secure a power plant deal. The US government charged a citizen with obstruction after he provided a passcode that erased his smartphone during a customs search. The Trump administration for Medicare drug premiums, which could lead to higher prescription drug coverage costs for millions of older Americans starting in 2027 according to a WSJ report. Shein disclosed FTC into its U.S. operations, though the specifics of the probe were not revealed.

Real Estate and Infrastructure

BXP Inc. has secured $1.2 to construct a 46-story office tower connected to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Unite Group Plc is planning to sell as many as 20,000 student dorms to refocus its portfolio on top UK universities.

Other Notable News

The world’s second-largest memory-chip maker, SK Hynix, extended its streak of record results. In a significant legal development, Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to overturn an $83.3 million award in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, having already paid her over $5 million from a 2023 lawsuit. The Writers Guild withdrew its support from the Urbanworld film festival over its addition of a section for AI-generated films.